There are several options for the treatment of equine asthma, in addition to environmental modifications. Human metered dose inhalers (MDI) have been used in horses with equine asthma for many years, but many people are unaware of their surprisingly large carbon footprint. Pressurised metered dose inhalers (pMDI), such as Ventolin or Clenil Modulite inhalers, contain hydroflourocarbon (HFC) propellants that are very powerful greenhouse gases. Inhalers containing chloroflourocarbon (CFC) propella

Although volatile anaesthetic agents (such as isoflurane and sevoflurane) are emitted in relatively low quantities into the environment, they are disproportionately effective greenhouse gases, owing to their ability to absorb infrared radiation within an atmospheric ‘cooling window’ in which absorption of radiation is normally minimal. In fact, one hour of equine anaesthesia (using sevoflurane) may be equivalent to driving up to 184 miles. Fortunately, a few simple changes to our equ

As large animal vets, we spend a huge amount of time in our cars, and thus transport accounts for a large proportion of our environmental impact. Reduce your carbon footprint today by following these hints from BEVA’s Lucy Grieve and Callum James Haseler. Drive more efficiently Subtle changes like slowing down and accelerating smoothly can make a big difference to fuel consumption. There are companies which provide eco-driving courses and it is well worth investing in one of these at your

If food waste were a country, it would be the world’s third largest emitter after China and the USA. Our Sustainability Working Group tells us more... Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. Globally 25-30% of total food produced is wasted, wasting significant resources such as land, energy and water and contributing to 8-10% of the total man-made greenhouse gas emissions. It’s a common misconception that most food is wasted by retailers or during the food pr

Our latest article from the BEVA Sustainability Working Group explains the seemingly small, but potentially far reaching impact of using the internet. Information and communications technology (ICT) uses approximately 10% of global energy demand1, accounting for 4% of global carbon emissions2. The internet has become integral to both our personal and professional lives, including everything from emails, websites and social media, to online meetings and online shopping. Although the impact of the

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Anthelmintics are important drugs used to protect our horses from internal parasites. When used according to veterinary recommendations, correctly, and in the right quantity, they treat intestinal worms and shield our horses from poor health, disease and colic. Unfortunately, their widespread and uncontrolled use has resulted in unwanted secondary effects, causing harm to both horses and the environment. Their misuse has produced resistance amongst parasites, which means it has reduced their eff

As equine vets, transport accounts for a large proportion of our carbon footprint. As we all become more cognisant of our environmental impact, our Sustainability Working Group look at ways in which we can travel more sustainably: 1. Drive more efficiently: • Subtle changes like slowing down and accelerating smoothly can make a big difference to fuel consumption. There are companies which provide eco-driving courses and it is well worth investing in one of these at your practice. • If

A growing awareness and commitment to making veterinary practice more environmentally sustainable is evident across our profession. The British Veterinary Association are championing greener veterinary practice, particularly through their series of webinars run this year in conjunction with Vet Sustain and VDS Training (for those that missed the series you can catch up by following links available here). Vet Sustain have built a network of ‘champions’ that are forming a community of